U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez said that he is often reminded on Capitol Hill that “after September 11th, we promised local communities we would help keep police on the streets and keep them well-equipped.”

Specialized tools, holsters, and flashlights are the kinds of things Paterson will upgrade, according to U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell.

He said the stuff they have now is old.

“That’s putting it charitably,” he added.

The Passaic Police Department will use its federal grant money to buy a multi-use vehicle and Clifton is upgrading its computer system.